Chat with David Schoenfield

Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, ESPN.com's SweetSpot blogger David Schoenfield stops by to chat some baseball.

Schoenfield is a senior writer for ESPN.com and he's been with ESPN.com since 1995 and has served in a variety of roles, including baseball editor, Page 2 senior editor and writer, and even interim soccer editor. He grew up in Seattle rooting for the Mariners, believes Edgar Martinez should be in the Hall of Fame and had no issues with Felix Hernandez winning the Cy Young Award despite a 13-12 record.

David Schoenfield

(1:32 PM)

Tarek (NYC)

I know Joe P is doing the 100 greatest players off all time, who are your top 5? I would go Ruth, Bonds, Mays, Walter Johnson and Cobb or Wagner and Mantle.

David Schoenfield

(1:33 PM)

Ruth, Bonds, Mays are pretty easy as the top three. After that, I probably go Aaron and Clemens. I'm more inclined to go with more recent guys who faced tough competition.

John (Cincinnati, Oh)

Why is Chapman eligible for arbitration? I thought the Reds signed him to 6/$30 million.

David Schoenfield

(1:35 PM)

Looks like the way the contract is worded is that if he became arbitration-eligible by a certain year, the money the contract originally called for was converted into a bonus and then he goes through arbitration (or, as he did, signs a one-year contract).

DP (KC)

Would it be prudent for the Royals to offer Burnett a one-year deal at whatever he wants (even if it's $15, $18 mil)? this is by all means a do-or-die season, with Shields on his last year.

David Schoenfield

(1:36 PM)

Sure. I think they need another starter. If Burnett does to decide to play, he'll have suitors besides the Pirates.

Danny (New York)

Burnett to Blue Jays Round 2? Burnett to Phils? Or do you think he's sticking with Pirates-or-retire?

David Schoenfield

(1:37 PM)

Orioles could be a possibility as well. The more I think about it: I'm not he goes back to the Pirates. I think they believe so much in their defense now that they don't want to pay Burnett $18 million or whatever. Royals, Orioles, Blue Jays make a lot of sense.

Michael (Los Angeles)

Will we ever see a team attempt to reduce a closer's arbitration salary by using him in non-save situations (i.e., using their reliever optimally)?

David Schoenfield

(1:39 PM)

Doubt it. Heard an interview with Tampa Bay pitching coach Jim Hickey the other day and he even admitted it just makes life easier to have designated roles in the late innings.

Mike (Mission Viejo, CA)

What team do you think is best suited to win now as well as in the future? When you consider high-end talent in the miniors, major league roster and money to spend I think the Dodgers, Red Sox and Rangers are the top three.

David Schoenfield

(1:41 PM)

Cardinals, Red Sox .. heck, maybe the Pirates if we're looking at the next five years since they have so much young talent on the way and McCutchen signed to a team-friendly contract. Rangers and Dodgers have a ton of money, of course, but not the number of young players or farm system depth as the Cardinals, Red Sox, Pirates.

nick (ut)

Is it safe to say that Tanaka owes Yu Darvish a % of is contract since Darvish added so much value to Japanese pitchers?

David Schoenfield

(1:41 PM)

No kidding. Let's hope we get a Darvish-Tanaka matchup this year!

Billy (DC)

Am I crazy, or even with the Tanaka signing do the Yankees still strike you as the third best team in the AL East (behind TB/Boston)? Plus Baltimore and Toronto aren't too shabby...

Joe (Las Vegas)

David, even though I like the moves the Yankees made, I still don't think they have enough to get into the playoffs. Is there anyone in the minors they can bring up or use as trade bait to improve their weakenesses?

David Schoenfield

(1:44 PM)

Couple of Yankees question. Yes, I clearly rate them behind the Red Sox and Rays. Keith Law rated their farm system at No. 20 and most of the top guys are in the low minors and coming off injuries, so not a lot of trade bait unless Gary Sanchez or Mason Williams finally blossom.

dc (dc)

Do you see a point at which some players (I'm looking at you Bronson Arroyo) are forced to retire b/c nobody is willing to give up the draft picks required to sign them? Does MLB need to reconsider this rule to avoid such situations?

David Schoenfield

(1:46 PM)

Arroyo isn't tied to a draft pick, but I see the point. The Players Association will no doubt fight this rule with the next CBA. Pretty clear that marginal pitchers tied to a draft pick are being hurt. Of course, that's exactly what the owners wanted. Players just missed the boat on this one.

Bryan (Madison, WI)

If the Mariners sign Cruz, do you see them trading Smoak to open up first base for LoMo and Hart? If so, do they target starting pitching? Brewers still need a legitimate MLB first baseman. Is Smoak for Estrada fair?

David Schoenfield

(1:47 PM)

No. Smoak has no value. He's basically a replacement-level first baseman.

Dan (Kansas City)

Do the Royals have a prayer of retaining Ervin Santana? For an all or nothing year, their rotation sure seems shaky.

David Schoenfield

(1:48 PM)

Prayer? In fact, if not Burnett, Santana to the Royals seems likely, especially if the Blue Jays end up with Jimenez, as rumored.

Mike (Pittsburgh)

Assuming a mid-Summer outfield of McCutchen, Marte and Polanco, what are the chances of another fly ball touching the outfield grass against the Pirates??? That will be quite an outfield.

David Schoenfield

(1:49 PM)

That's why the Pirates don't have to invest in Burnett. That outfield defense will help make any pitcher better. If Polanco is that good on D -- will have to look at all-time greatest defensive outfields. Hmm. Mariners were good when they had Cameron and Ichiro, but they never had a regular left fielder.

David Schoenfield

(1:52 PM)

Danny (New York)

On DC's question, what happens if a player retires and then un-retires? What happens to draft pick comp.?

David Schoenfield

(1:54 PM)

Hmm, not sure how that works. If a player files official retirement paperwork, maybe he has to sit out a year or something? Remember, even the players tied to a draft pick can wait until after the draft to sign and the pick goes away. Kendrys Morales may be stuck with that unless he goes back to Seattle. Little interest in him.

Placido Polanco (Homeless)

Is anybody going to sign me?

David Schoenfield

(1:54 PM)

Probably a spring training sign after somebody gets injured.

Kyle (Philly)

David, if Drew doesn't get any multi year offers is he a realistic option for the Phils as insurance for Rollins and Utley on a 1 year deal with a promise to not receive a qualifying offer? Or are they better off with their internal options?

David Schoenfield

(1:55 PM)

ed (El Paso, TX)

Clemens in the top five of all time greatest players? If any pitcher belongs in the top five it would be Koufax or Gibson or...many others, none of whom juiced to keep their careers going.

David Schoenfield

(1:57 PM)

I was ignoring steroids and considering only what actually happened on the field. We can't pretend that what Bonds and Clemens did didn't happen. Koufax's career way too short to be considered top five. Gibson was terrific and maybe the one guy you want starting if your life was on the line, but overall not a top-20 player. No insult intended.

Tarek (NYC)

Maddux going into the HOF with no team on his cap. I have his rookie card from the Cubs, but come on. He forever to me will be a Brave.

Bill (CT)

David, Keith Law has seven Red Sox prospects ranked in his top 100. Boegarts, ranked #2 has earned a starting job this season. Who else on the list, or do you know of someone who is not on the list, makes an impact with the Red Sox this season?

David Schoenfield

(1:59 PM)

Well, Jackie Bradley Jr. should be the starting center fielder. Most of the top 10 are further away. Matt Barnes could be a rotation option in the second half if his changeup develops and a bunch of guys get hurt.

Chalifoux (Boston)

No teddy ballgame in the top 5!!!!! C'mon man

David Schoenfield

(2:00 PM)

Craig (PA)

The offseason mantra for the Dodgers seems to be "maintain! maintain! maintain!". Are re-upping Hanley and Kershaw all they are doing (not complaining) or do stan and ned have a trick up their sleeves?

David Schoenfield

(2:02 PM)

I'm not sold on the Dodgers as a playoff lock. Yes, I'll probably pick them to win the NL West, but you're still looking at a team with potential holes at second base (can Guerrero play?), third base (Uribe was good last year but a disaster the previous two years), poor defense in center (even if Kemp is healthy) and some guys getting older (Gonzalez, Crawford).

Hal (Chicago)

I need some light at the end of the tunnel, please tell me I get to see a little Baez/Bryant later this season

David Schoenfield

(2:03 PM)

I'd say Bryant almost definitely.

Eric (Chicago)

David, crazy idea, but how come the Cubs don't go after a guy like Bronson Arroyo? He's all upset about not signing yet and then complains when Tanaka gets $155mil. Sign him to a friendly 3 yr deal and explain to him that when he pitches well, he can go to a contender. Rent, don't buy Bronson. I'd take him and watch him throw every 5th day.

David Schoenfield

(2:05 PM)

Yeah, I wonder what's going on there. I know you see his age and are skeptical, but this guy is a workhorse who succeeded in a tough park. The one bad year he had he was fighting a minor injury (back, I believe). As a fly ball guy, he'd be great in Pittsburgh or either L.A. team.

Andy (Madison, WI)

Koufax is overrated. He had 6 seasons with a WAR over 2. Sure it was one of the best 6 seasons ever by a pitcher, but Mark Buehrle has more career WAR.

Brian (CA)

Ned's trick: Shows his sleeves; nothing inside them. Turns out his pockets; no money. Waves his hands in the air, smacks his desk a couple of times, reaches into his sleeve, pulls out a couple million dollars for another starting pitcher.

Craig (PA)

David, instead of answering my question on if the Dodgers will make a move, you instead chose to answer the question "what doesnt David like about the Dodgers".

David Schoenfield

(2:07 PM)

I think they're done. Don't see them surrendering a pick for Santana or Jimenez.

lipty (n cap st)

what about Pedro going ahead of Clemens?

David Schoenfield

(2:10 PM)

Pedro, at his peak, is maybe the best pitcher ever. He arguably had two grade 80 pitches with the fastball and changeup and his curve was also outstanding. But he didn't have the durability to quite match up with Clemens or Walter Johnson or Randy Johnson or Greg Maddux in career value.

Buttons O'Leary (Boston)

I think your readers might be overrating the value of the draft picks. It's not that Drew/Morales will not be able to get ANY offers - they just might not get offers better than the 1/14 that they turned down. E.G. dozens of these teams would give up the pick to pay these guys the minimum. Morales will only be "stuck" waiting to sign after the draft because of his unrealistic contract expectations.

David Schoenfield

(2:11 PM)

Right. Good point. I'm sure Drew has received several 2/$18 kinds of offers.

Matt (IL)

Why do virtually all national baseball analysts continue to praise the Cubs rebuild? They have done nothing in 5 years and Theo et al has never had success with this complete teardown formula.

David Schoenfield

(2:13 PM)

Prospect hype. We love prospects. And Theo is getting a free pass because the major league club and farm system were both train wrecks when he took over. BUT ... there's no way of knowing if the future is bright. Same thing with the Astros. Prospects are just prospects until they actually perform on the major league level.

Chalifoux (Boston)

I know the yankees have basically said to hell with not exceeding the luxury tax line this year. With all their new contracts is there any time in the near future they may be able to drop below again and reset their tax %?

David Schoenfield

(2:13 PM)

I haven't looked at the numbers, but it doesn't seem likely with A-Rod back on the books at $22 million for three more years.

Eric (Chicago)

Tarek: Greg Maddux played 8 yrs with the Cubs, 9 with the Braves and 2 each with LA and SD. Forever to you a Brave? Hardly!

Phil (Hartford, Ct )

David, who has the best postion (non pitcher) prospects? The Cubs or the Twins?

David Schoenfield

(2:19 PM)

Hmm, I guess I'd take the Cubs. I think Bryant is going to be a monster. Of course, so should Sano. But while I'd take Buxton/Sano over Baez/Bryant, I think the Cubs have the edge in the next group with Soler, Almora and Alcantara.

Drew (Mpls)

My dream is for Miguel Sano to take baseball by storm, win a job out of Spring Training and make the All Star Team (being played in MN this year). Then during the AS game there is an attempted terrorist attack but Sano hits a walk off HR and the ball goes so far that it hits the kamikaze fighter pilot in the face and his plane crashes harmlessly into Lake Minnetonka. Roll credits. (copyright Drew (Mpls) 2014)

David Schoenfield

(2:21 PM)

Met Sano last summer. His English is a work in progress (but much better than my Spanish), but was a very polite kid. I asked him about playing with Buxton and he raved about his skills. Then I asked him who had more power. He smiled. Then said, "I do." I like his confidence. Like saying he'll hit 45 or 55 home runs this year.

Ciscoskid (Folsom, CA)

PEOPLE, UNTIL MLB SAYS THAT PLAYERS ABCDEFG TOOK STERIODS AND REMOVE THEIR STATS FROM OFFICIAL RECORDS. COUNT THEM.

Drew (New York)

How do you see Colon playing out for the Mets?

David Schoenfield

(2:22 PM)

As long as he's healthy, he should be good. Maybe not quite Oakland 2013 numbers, but I would say in ERA of 3.50 or so. You need a good outfield defense behind and he'll have that with Lagares, Young and Granderson.

Tarek (NYC)

Do you think Price stays a Ray for all of 2014. I think they should keep him and try and win a title. They can always trade him in 2015 but then again he may help them win a title that year.

David Schoenfield

(2:23 PM)

I think he stays with Tampa. They can win it all and I don't see them falling out by July 1 and trading him. And good for them for NOT trading him.

Stan (KY)

Should I make spaghetti with Italian sausage or sauerkraut and kielbasa for dinner? Thank you.

David Schoenfield

(2:24 PM)

Who in their right mind would take sauerkraut over Italian sausage and spaghetti?

Andy (Madison, WI)

Why hasn't Balentien hooked up with a major league team, at least for a spring training invite.

David Schoenfield

(2:24 PM)

He'll make more money in Japan.

Tony (Rochester)

I might have to change my allegiance to the Twins if Drew's scenario comes to fruition

David Schoenfield

(2:25 PM)

I'm going to spend a lot of time this summer at New Britain -- Buxton and Sano. At least to start the year. I just hope they're still there when the temperatures get above 40 degrees. Not that baseball in 40-degree weather isn't fun. I mean, it's still baseball.

Ed (El Paso, TX)

Since you have factored in defense and base running in your qualifications for the best five, why is a pitcher (Clemens) included?

David Schoenfield

(2:26 PM)

For the same reason I wouldn't factor in Willie Mays' abilities as a pitcher.

Peter (Cincinnati)

If Cingrani can maintain the same level of success he had in 2013, should the Reds look to extend him now (a la Tampa Bay style)

David Schoenfield

(2:26 PM)

Sure. And I'm a Cingrani believer.

Roman (Cincinnati)

If you could only lock one up to a long-term extension, would you rather sign Latos or Bailey? Reasoning, please.

David Schoenfield

(2:28 PM)

Hmm, good question. I guess Latos. I like both guys a lot. Not a lot statistically to separate them. He's two years younger which is the only reason I'd go with him.

David Schoenfield

(2:29 PM)

You know, a lot of people are predicting the Reds to decline this year and I believe I've said or written that as well. But with Latos, Bailey, 30 starts from Cueto, Leake and Cingrani ... well, that could be a hell of a rotation, good enough to carry what will probably be a lousy offense.

Alex (OH)

I know you are a bit down on the Reds, but shouldn't they be comparing Hamilton to Stubbs from 2012 rather than Choo? They won 97 games with Stubbs and others leading off (.255 OBP) and 90 games with Choo last year (everyone said they were better on paper). I think if their pitching stays healthy they can win 90+ again. What say you?

David Schoenfield

(2:32 PM)

Good point. The 2012 team scored 27 runs FEWER than the 2013. Altough some of that was because Votto missed 50 games. But that gets to what I just said: They could have the best rotation in the league and win 90-plus games again.

Drew (Mpls)

Greg Maddux had 33.8 WAR with the Cubs and had 66.1 WAR with the Braves. I think all non-Cubs fans think of him as a Brave.

Jay (PA)

Eric: About 60 more wins, 3 more Cy Youngs, 1 more World Series, 11 straight division champs. I think all neutral fans will always remember him as a Brave. That being said I think the blank hat is just fine.

Dan (St. Louis)

The Cardinals are to Cubs/Theo as the Yanks were to Theo/Red Sox...while I know Cards/Cubs won't be the same as the Yankees/Red Sox over recent history, as a Cards fan I am hoping some of the Cubs prospects pan out so the rivalry will be worth something...

TJ (Detroit)

Dave, have a little faith in prospects! Not every team is hanging their hopes on Roger Salkeld, Marc Neufeld, and Ryan Anderson...

David Schoenfield

(2:33 PM)

That hurts. Man, Salkeld ... he would have been something.

Logan (Tampa)

Also, how does our local hero and Tampa product Matt Joyce fit into the 2014 Ray's team? Seems this is the first time we won't be platooning the majority of the time

David Schoenfield

(2:36 PM)

I don't see him as a full-time player. Is there any evidence he can lefties? Trouble is, DeJesus also needs a platoon partner. They have Sean Rodriguez and just picked up Logan Forsythe, so maybe those guys are the platoon partners.

David Schoenfield

(2:37 PM)

Brandon Guyer still on the 40-man roster. And Jerry Sands is a non-roster invitee. I could one of those two making the roster as a right-handed DH.

Bryan (Montclair, NJ)

I'm very torn on whether or not the Mets should sign Drew. Based on age, he doesn't really fit in their rebuilding plan on a 2 year deal. That said, they don't have a SS in their system that's close to ready, plus I think the contract becomes a tradeable asset if it's good value relative to other SS's on the FA market. What do you think?

David Schoenfield

(2:39 PM)

The Mets may end up being the only option out there for him. Plus ... I could see the second NL wild-card team winning 84-86 games. Which basically means ANY team, with breaks, has a chance. So why not sign him if his market has dropped to such a large degree?

Ben (Charlotte)

i know the Tigers already made their OF moves, but if the market for Cruz is THAT low isn't he a really great fit for them?

David Schoenfield

(2:39 PM)

They already have a DH.

Trout (Roslyn )

Nick Franklin's heard nothing from M's front office regarding his future role with the team. Is this standard operating procedure? Or more of that "dysfunction" the Baker piece exposed? Kid's a good ball player, at minimum he deserves to know where he stands going forward.

David Schoenfield

(2:41 PM)

Unfortunately, it kind of is SOP. Not necessarily a lot of communication between teams and players in the offseason, even if it should be. The Mariners are talking Franklin up as a possible shortstop, but that's really only to enhance his trade value. I don't think he can actually play short.

Tarek (NYC)

Re:Logan I think Maddon has said he will play all 4 outfielders with one of them DHing all the time. This way Jennings and Dale Murphy Jr Jr can get time to rest at DH.

Brian (LA)

I'm a little confused to your Dodgers comment. Not sold on as a playoff team, but will probably pick them to win the West? Seems to contradict there. Also, yes, there are some question marks, but who else in the NL West DOESN'T have questions marks.

David Schoenfield

(2:43 PM)

Here's what I mean: Everybody will pick the Dodgers to win the West. I'm sure when ESPN does it's picks all 50 or so people who will be listed will pick the Dodgers. But I don't think they're a guarantee. I think the D-backs have potential, the Padres could surprise and the Giants are the Giants (never count them out). The Dodgers are clear favorites in the division, but I don't think this is necessarily a 100-win team that will 90 if things don't go right. More like a 95-win team that could win 85.

Roman (Cincinnati)

If their rotation pans out, could the Reds resemble the championship Giant teams from a couple years back?

David Schoenfield

(2:44 PM)

Sure, although the Giants' offense was underrated. Their pitchers received a lot of help from their ballpark. The GAP is the opposite. Which tells you how bad the Cincy offense is.

Drew (Mpls)

Let's say Nolasco finally does what his peripheral #'s always say he can, Hughes settles in now that he's out of NY, Joe Mauer stays healthy at 1B, Willingham rebounds, Dozier continues his ascent...could the Twins win 72 games this year? Ugh.

David Schoenfield

(2:45 PM)

You'll always have that All-Star Game from Sano though.

Jim C (Houston)

Hi Dave, can I get a double-dip today? What are your reasonable expections of 1) Prince Fielder and 2) Victor Martinez? I'm having a hard time getting a handle on projections for either of them. Thanks!

David Schoenfield

(2:47 PM)

Victor -- About the same as last year. He got off to a very slow start if I remember, was great from June on. Still one of the best pure hitters in the game. Remember a great battle he had with Darvish, fouling off about 6-7 pitches before ... well, I think he still struck out in the end. Anyway. Prince ... I'm a little skeptical. I know he had the personal issues with the divorce. Going to Texas should help in the power department. But he really struggled against fastballs and that could be a sign that the bat is slowing. Overall numbers: Maybe the same as last year, maybe a little higher thanks to a better home park.

Dan (New York)

Do you really think the Yankees are done? The payroll is still significantly lower than last year--seems like Drew would be a perfect fit.

David Schoenfield

(2:49 PM)

Yep, I think the Yankees are the wild card for Drew, especially if he's willing to play some third base. Why not let Drew start half the time at short, let Jeter start half the time and then DH Jeter when he's not at SS? (That's assuming Jeter is actually hitting.)

Tarek (NYC)

M's still the 4th best team out west? What do you think they need to do to jump ahead of Angles.

David Schoenfield

(2:49 PM)

Yep, I think so. They need a starting pitcher and another hitter. Koufax and Ruth? Those two could make them playoff contenders.

Jay (PA)

A Polish/German person would take the kielbasa and sauerkraut thank you very much.

Doug Melvin (Milwaukee )

I am not really going into the 2014 season with Reynolds/Overbay at first base, am I? Not after I landed Garza. Whom should I target: Lind, Moreland, or Davis, what will I have to give up?

David Schoenfield

(2:52 PM)

You forgot to mention Juan Francisco and Hunter Morris! Plus Aramis Ramirez, who *should* be playing first base by now, not third. (I'd go for Davis. I think the Mets give first base to Duda, so Davis can be had.)

Tomas (LA)

Because of their outfield defense, heavy use of shifts and above-average bullpen, could it be that a pitcher like AJ Burnett is simply not as valuable to the Pirates as some other teams? Maybe a low offer is not really low; it's just his value to the team.

David Schoenfield

(2:55 PM)

Exactly. Assuming Wandy Rodriguez is healthy, you have four locks for the rotation: Cole, Liriano, Morton and Wandy. You have Locke and Volquez, and I don't really like either guy, but OK, maybe they won't be terrible. And Jameson Taillon could be ready by midseason. The difference between Burnett and Locke/Volquez/Taillon may only be a win or two, and for a club like the Pirates they're not going to spend $18 million for that.

Jon (DC)

What will happen to the Braves if Freeman doesn't have a .370 babip and hit .430 with RISP. Flukey.

David Schoenfield

(2:55 PM)

Or the Cardinals ... .332 with RISP, the best ever by a huge margin.

Matt (NYC)

Are the Mets really the only team with an eye on possible contention that have a need at SS? What about the Pirates or Reds? Isn't there more urgency with those two clubs?

David Schoenfield

(2:57 PM)

Sure, Drew is better than Cozart or Mercer, but he's more expensive. I think it's strictly a money thing with those two clubs. Or the Royals with Escobar, who was dreadful last year (checking his batting stats). Or the Marlins. Basically, all the teams with questions at shortstop are small-market clubs.

David Schoenfield

(2:57 PM)

Except the Mets. And Yankees.

Chad (Denver)

If Tulo stays healthy all year (don't laugh), is he NL MVP?

David Schoenfield

(2:58 PM)

I don't see the Rockies as contenders and you have to make the playoffs to win the MVP.

Tarek (NYC)

Speaking of Jeter, why don't the Yankees sign Figgins to be his backup. Okay I know he doesn't play SS but I just wanted to point out that Chone is a FA.

David Schoenfield

(2:59 PM)

He signed!! Non-roster invite for the Dodgers.

Paul (DC)

Do you agree with Fister's comments that the Nats have best rotation? Or at least better than his former team the Tigers?

David Schoenfield

(3:00 PM)

I just ranked the rotations. I had the Tigers No. 1 and the Nationals No. 2. Nationals do have more depth in the 6,7 and 8 guys, however.

Matt (NYC)

Mets are a small market club, if you ask the Wilpons..

Todd (Philly)

Doesn't Cobb have to be in your top 10, if not your top 5?

David Schoenfield

(3:03 PM)

Yeah, maybe so. I just don't like ranking so many guys born in the 1800s in the top 10. If you go by career WAR, you'd have Ruth, Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Cobb, Speaker, Wagner, Hornsby, Collins, Alexander and Kid Nichols in the top 16. Do we believe that 10 of the 16 best players of all time played before 1935?

Tony J (Decatur, Il)

Maybe Drew's best bet is to take a one-year deal and then go back to the FA market for when the Cardinals realize that Peralta can't play SS.

Jon (DC)

Is Gio Gonzalez the first athlete to actually convince the world that he was wrongly accused of PED use?

David Schoenfield

(3:04 PM)

Ha. I believe so.

billy (NY)

How much better would the Yankees offseason have been if instead of Ellsbury they spent money on Peralta (52 mil), Infante (22 mil), Garza (52 mil)

David Schoenfield

(3:05 PM)

Hmm ... could be the case. Interesting idea.

Tarek (NYC)

Do you think Jeter retires this year or do you think he hangs on for another couple years. It's not like the Yankees have the **lls to tell him he is done if he is awful.

David Schoenfield

(3:06 PM)

I think this is it. And it wouldn't be surprise me that if he's hitting .215 in June that he retires. Schmidt retired in the middle of the season.

HAL (Australia)

Love your blog, Dave. Do you think mlb will ever get to non-guaranteed contracts, or is the mlbpa too strong to allow that to "ever" happen? Yes I'm thinking of ways of removing BJ Upton and Dan Uggla from this season's viewing experience.

David Schoenfield

(3:07 PM)

Seems unlikely. Not so much that the MLBPA is strong but because some of the teams will give guaranteed contracts, so to compete for free agents you have to do that as well.

Ben (Charlotte)

Cruz is DH only? thought he had a cannon in the OF (though he'd have to cover a lot more ground in CoPa) ...

David Schoenfield

(3:10 PM)

He had one assist last year. He used to have a reputation for a strong arm, not sure it's still all that. But below-average range. Mediocre OBP. He's not a very good player. At least not as good as his name recognition. And he's starting to get old. On a one-year deal at $10 or so, he's probably OK. Wouldn't want him for three years.

Danny (New York)

Wouldn't the Jays and Mariners line up nicely on an Ackley or Franklin deal? You'd have to think they could give Toronto as much or more than Goins/Izturis. Have bullpen and lower league prospect depth. Yanks could be another option, no?

David Schoenfield

(3:11 PM)

Sure. I don't think the Mariners will punt on Ackley, since Jack Z drafted him so high. But they'll peddle Franklin in spring training, probably for a SP (which the Jays don't really have).

Miguel Sano (MN)

Fastball - I hit very much. Curveball? Bats afraid.

Tony J (Decatur, Il)

Really enjoy your chats, David! What's the Guiness World Record for the longest chat? You should try and break it right after the regualar season begins---talking baseball!

David Schoenfield

(3:13 PM)

Ha. I know people here have done seven- or eight-hour chats. I think Simmons once did one that long for charity. And I know an NFL guy did a marathon one once -- I think one of the draft guys, Kiper or McShay.

Adam (WI)

Someone asked Kris Bryant about the moon the other night....when he looked up he realized the craters he his home runs left. He doesn't always hit home runs but when he does...they go to the moon

Old Hoss (19th century)

No way there were 16 better players than me in the 20th century! Those pampered little sissies couldn't carry my jock!

mike (williamsburg, va)

i liked your article on relievers today but question whether wpa is all that effective a measuring tool when talking about the whole game. I'd say a HR on the first pitch of a 1-0 win is as valuable as one on the last pitch of a 1-0 win but wpa doesnt see it that way. Your thoughts?

David Schoenfield

(3:15 PM)

Right. It's definitely not close to a perfect metric -- basically very good for evaluating relievers in a different light, but not as good for measuring everyone else.

David Schoenfield

(3:15 PM)

OK, everyone. Time to get going. Send in your final thoughts for the day.

Tarek (NYC)

Any idea who is the greatest player in the MVP era to never win one?

David Schoenfield

(3:17 PM)

Will (Bozeman MT)

Will Oscar Taveras get enough playing time this year to be a legitimate candidate for ROY? After mozeliak ruled out the possibility of him playing (much) CF it seems like there is very limited AB's for him with craig in right adams at first and holliday in left. Could he even push adams to the bench craig to first and take over RF? Sorry im just anxious to get the O-Train rollin

David Schoenfield

(3:18 PM)

I think by the second half things will work themselves out. And by that I mean Taveras in right field, Craig at first base, Adams off the bench. Taveras should be able to match Adams at the plate and you're better on defense at two positions. Adams is overrated anyway.

Bryan (Madison, WI)

Do you think the Indians deal Chisenhall if Santana breaks camp as the starting third baseman?

David Schoenfield

(3:19 PM)

Not sure he has much value? Maybe a team like the Marlins. But let's make sure Santana can actually play the position. I have my doubts. (Although Todd Zeile and Joe Torre made the move.)

Will (Bozeman MT)

Ok after all my comments here is my question. Considering the cardinals got a helluva lot better on defense, which will help their already great pitching staff, and their offense is one of the best in the league (yes even if they dont hit .330 with risp) are they the favorites to win the NL pennant and make it to their third ws in 4 years?

David Schoenfield

(3:20 PM)

I'm ranking all 30 teams next week. I'm thinking of putting the Cards No. 1 ... although I am worried about the power and knowing they won't hit .332 with RISP again. But the pitching, the defense, the depth may be too strong to ignore.

Bryan (Montclair, NJ)

Schmidt also retired from press conferences halfway through his retirement announcement.

David Schoenfield

(3:20 PM)

One of my favorite clips ever!

Tarek (NYC)

We do love players from before the end of WW2 Very high. Think of it this wayC Bench, 1b Gehrig, 2b Hornsby SS Wagner, 3B Schmidt, LF Bonds, CF Mays, RF Ruth. That's half of the best at a position who played before Jackie Robinson. I know I amd guilty of ranking them maybe to high.

David Schoenfield

(3:21 PM)

We don't do that in other sports. Nobody says Bob Cousy is a better point guard than Magic Johnson or that Sammy Baugh is better than Peyton Manning.

Brian (CA)

@Jon Mota convinced people his (2nd) PED suspension was caused by his kid's cough syrup.

henry (sd)

Your thoughts on the article regarding Selig's value as comish... seems to me writers view him as a HOFmer

David Schoenfield

(3:22 PM)

He'll get in. I mean, they put in Bowie Kuhn, who was just awful.

Eric (Chicago)

Sam "Wahoo" Crawford, most underrated ballplayer ever. Dude only leads the league in most ever triples. Dude gets no love.

Todd (Philly)

Thanks Dave....understood. Here is a better question - which player would you like to go back in time to see in person to validate such WAR? For me, its Johnson - I have a hard time believing he actually threw "that hard" given the footage of how he physically threw the ball....what is your choice?

David Schoenfield

(3:23 PM)

Totally agree on Johnson. Just don't see how he really threw 95-100 mph.

Chris (Troy)

Wow, a lot Cardinals hate going on today. Odd for a team that appears to have dont nothing but improved since last year's WS appearance.

David (Boston)

It's 15 degrees outside, get me to spring training!

Jeff (Oakland)

Mel Ott

James (Bristol)

Starting a team, Bogaerts or Profar????

David Schoenfield

(3:24 PM)

Bogaerts

Brian (NJ)

It wouldn't surprise you if Jeter retired in the middle of the season? Come on, that would be pretty freaking surprising!

Todd (Philly)

Pedro at his peak not winning MVP - instead given to Rodriguez - was a miss...

Eric (Chicago)

Babe Ruth is the greatest hot dog eater ever during a baseball game. Who wouldn't want to see Ruth, Chestnut and Kobayashi go at it for the hot dog eating contest greatest champ ever? I'd pay to see it!

Dan (New York)

Why is every former NFL pro who goes on the radio this week plugging something? Could you imagine if every time Yogi Berra gave an interview he plugged Preparation H

David Schoenfield

(3:25 PM)

Super Bowl week is the absolute worst.

Jay (PA)

21-17 Broncos

Andy (Madison, WI)

Final Thoughts: Seahawks will lose.

David Schoenfield

(3:26 PM)

Can't wait. I hope Richard Sherman wins MVP honors and then disses Peyton Manning in his acceptable speech. Go Seahawks! Until next week ... thanks for all the questions, everyone.